Signed hardback

28 pledges

Hardback and giclee print

9 pledges

Limited-edition with your name in the back of the book plus A4, colour giclee print on 310gsm Hahnemühle German Etching Paper in limited runs of 50. Choice of images from those shown at: http://www.junglegems.tk/

Signed hardback and giclee print

12 pledges

Limited-edition signed by the author, with your name in the back of the book, plus an A4, colour giclee print on 310gsm Hahnemühle German Etching Paper in limited runs of 50. Choice of images from those shown at: http://www.junglegems.tk/

Guided tour of the Cocoon at London's Natural History Museum

1 pledge

Limited-edition signed by the author with your name printed in the back of the book plus a morning or afternoon in-depth tour of the Cocoon at London's Natural History Museum with the author, culminating in tea and cake in the cafeteria. (Limited to groups of five at a time. Travel and accommodation not included.)

Illustration class

Limited-edition with your name in the back of the book plus a place at a nature illustration class in London. (Limited to groups of five. Venue to be confirmed. Materials supplied. Travel, accommodation, food and drink not included.)

Patron

An in-depth tour of the Cocoon at London's Natural History Museum, a place at a nature illustration class in London plus a leather-bound limited-edition signed and dedicated by the author and your name in the back of the book. Plus giclee print.

Beetle species named after you

An illustrated adventure through the jungles of Hainan in search of the most elusive beetle in China

A young artist and naturalist strikes up an unusual deal with insect dealer Hakomoto, who offers a box of rare beetles in exchange for artwork of his most prized trophies. The collection contains many enigmatic species from the island of Hainan, including some which may well be new to science. Overjoyed with his unbelievable fortune, the young man decides to bring the beetles to the Natural History Museum in London, where they may be identified by experts. His hopes are further raised when Max Barclay, one of the world’s leading authorities on beetles, becomes baffled by the entire collection, and especially by an evil-looking beetle called Carabus which is not known to exist on the island. However, with only one specimen known to science, they must gather more evidence to establish the validity of the species.

Hesitant to draw any conclusions, Max sends the young naturalist on a mission of his dreams – to undertake an expedition to the jungles of Hainan, and to see if he can find Carabus or any of Hakomoto’s other beetles. In his quest, he encounters some of the most bizarre and wonderful creatures imaginable as he battles the elements, trekking through the great rivers and mountains of the island's rugged interior. What he doesn't know is that the outcome has already been written and, as the cloud of mysteries clears, he is forced to accept a shocking but irrefutable truth...

I am a 21-year old, self-taught artist with a fascination for the natural world, especially insects and other creepy-crawlies. I spent much of my childhood observing these creatures, which later developed into a passion for outdoor exploration and a curiosity for all knowledge. Through my book I hope to inspire other young people to get out there and experience nature for themselves, as well as to encourage the general public to appreciate the wonderful details that are all around us. It is an ambitious project that involves art, nature, adventure, mystery and science being woven into a complex plot that explores the beauty of nature, the purpose of science and the malleability of truth.

Jungle Gems is a dream that I have wished to fulfil for many years, simply due to the fact that it is a culmination of my best ideas and experiences. The illustrations form an important part of the book and, throughout the story, art is used as a powerful observation tool to gain deeper insight into the subject. The project is currently being supported by Max Barclay, head curator of Coleoptera at the Natural History Museum and one of the four virtual guides at the Darwin Centre. It is to him that I am greatly indebted, both as the inspiration for this book and as my long-time friend and mentor.

Aside from nature and art, I enjoy reading crime novels and watching sci-fi movies, where I derive much of my writing inspiration. On the sporting front I am an ‘adrenaline junkie’ who enjoys rock-climbing, doing handstands and climbing trees.

Almost there!

Saturday, 16 December 2017

I'm very excited to announce that, thanks to some huge pledges that came in last week from family friends, there is less than a quarter of the funding left to muster! I would like to use this as an opportunity to thank all of you for your support, as you are literally making my dream come true. If you know anyone who's particularly interested in nature/art then please help spread the word, and remember…